THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Akwa Restaurant Review

: Akwa occupies the old Union space, a striking setting that has seen several good restaurants fade to black. Jeff Peterson of Geoffrey's in Malibu has created a multi-level, water-themed environment for dining on sushi and Cal-Asian fare. Downstairs is a sleek, serene sushi bar, along with tables for both sushi and regular menu selections. The sushi, courtesy of a skilled Nobu alum, excels in both quality and presentation---making the bar's chronic condition of empty seats a real tragedy. Ascending the stairs beneath the signature hanging water feature, you'll find a trendy dining room with adjoining bar and lovely rooftop patio with candlelit tables dressed in black linen. Starters from the regular menu include items like crispy Sonoma quail in orange glaze and ahi tartare with osetra caviar, while main courses range from Chilean sea bass in plum-yuzu sauce to steak in Szechwan pepper-shoyu sauce.